District 90 board responds after residents' criticism

River Forest Public Schools District 90 officials have revised a proposed plan to revamp parking and make other improvements around the exterior of Roosevelt Middle School after a backlash from some residents and an unfavorable verdict from a village commission.

School officials want to modify some of the parking lots around the school, at 7560 Oak Ave., in a way that they say will make the grounds safer and easier for students to navigate. But the plan also means some parking spaces closest to the school would be eliminated, making it harder for the school's 92 staff members to park near the school.

About 40 people, many residents who live near the school, attended a community meeting Feb. 27 to hear details about the $1 million renovation plan, to be paid for with district reserve funds. Many offered comments praising the district's newest proposal, while some were still critical that it could make parking more difficult in their neighborhood.

Originally, district officials had asked the village to approve a plan creating 60-degree angled spots along Oak Avenue, meant for school staff to park in during the day. But the village's Transportation Commission nixed that plan, because it also would've made the street permanently one-way, said District 90 Superintendent Ed Condon. Now, it's only one-way during school hours.

The district's second proposal, brought to the village's board of trustees, would've implemented 90-degree parking spaces on Oak Avenue. But many critical comments about that plan caused district officials to reel it in, Condon said. That plan also would've required the removal of trees along the street.

The new proposal, which would still require final school and Village Board approval, would leave Oak parking as parallel, but add additional spots along portions of it permitted only for school staff. Additional spots for staff would also be created along the west side of Jackson Avenue.

While many who spoke out at the meeting favored keeping Oak a two-way street when school is not in session, which the new plan would do, some said the new proposed parking situation could make parking a challenge for residents of the street and increase traffic in the neighborhood.

Heidi Ewell, who said she lives near the school's property, said she appreciates the plan's intent to make the school more pedestrian- and bicyclist-friendly for students and parents, but adding permitted parking along the residential areas could make it difficult for her and other residents to park in front of their homes, and could encourage more driving.

"If you are making the parking spaces, people will come," she said.

The school board's president, James Weiss, said the parallel permitted parking plan allows the district to "experiment and see what works and what doesn't. If another solution is necessary down the road, we can address it."

Other elements of the district's project include adding lighting, more bike racks around the school and an in-and-out drive along Lathrop Street.

An expanded plaza on the north side of the building would be constructed with a rain garden, which would mostly be to catch rain run-off but could also be used as an instructional area for students, said Anthony Cozzi, the district's director of finance and facilities.

Some residents said the newly proposed plan is better than previous ones.

Renee Sichlau, who said she has a child in sixth grade at Roosevelt, called the proposal a "brilliantly thought out plan" and said she especially appreciates the additional bike racks planned for around the school, and creating new pathways for student and community pedestrians.

"I see these issues of parking being understandable, but with safety of children at the forefront, I think we can all stand to walk a little further," she said.

Condon said the school board would vote on the proposal at a coming board meeting.